Mindfulness, Community, and Connection: Highlights from the 2nd Annual mindful UT Mindfulness Summit at UT Austin

Published: November 14, 2024

For one of the event organizers James Butler, mindful UT Campus Coordinator, mindfulness is much more than a practice—it’s a way of life. Having embarked on his own mindfulness journey over 14 years ago, he credits the practice with helping him navigate mental health challenges and build resilience. "Mindfulness has been incredibly influential in my life," Butler said. "It’s not only helped me with my mental health, but also with connecting to others. It’s healing-centered, and that’s why I’m so passionate about sharing it with others."

The event, made possible through collaborations with the Longhorn Wellness Center, the Blanton Museum of Art, and Native American and Indigenous Studies, welcomed students, faculty and staff for a day of mindfulness activities. The event organizers, Butler, Angelique Karditzas from the Longhorn Wellness Center, and Siobhán McCusker from the Blanton Museum of Art, are passionate about providing many different ways for students to experience mindfulness.

This year’s summit also marked a new partnership with Dr. Polly Strong and the Program for Native American and Indigenous Studies. A key highlight was the participation of Elder Marika Alvarado, a traditional Lipan Apache healer, who led attendees in a mindfulness experience rooted in cultural heritage in the creation of dream catchers.

“Mindfulness can mean many things to many people,” Butler shared. “This summit is all about giving people the space to explore that, while fostering a sense of community.”

A Diverse Array of Mindfulness Practices

At the heart of the summit was a diverse range of mindfulness activities, catering to participants at every level of experience. Attendees could curate their own "mindful adventures," choosing from a variety of breakout sessions designed to engage the mind, body and spirit.

One of the most impactful activities was the dreamcatcher weaving session led by Elder Marika Alvarado. This session invited attendees to weave their intentions for the rest of the semester and the year ahead into their own dreamcatchers. The experience not only connected participants with their cultural roots but also encouraged collective mindfulness and the intentional crafting of future goals.

Another standout moment was the sound bath facilitated by Cynthia Aguillón Bernard, founder and CEO of ATX Yoga Girl, LLC. As a certified yoga and meditation teacher, retreat guide and sound alchemist, Aguillón Bernard used soothing sound waves to help attendees release stress and find inner peace. The sound bath, held in a serene space, provided a calming atmosphere for participants to ground themselves amid the busyness of the semester.

Movement was also a key theme of the day, with mindful movement and yoga sessions that engaged participants in both physical and mental practices. For those interested in creative expression, art-based mindfulness activities such as coloring and comic-making offered participants a way to tap into self-awareness while promoting relaxation.

The mindful UT student-led meditation session at the Blanton Museum’s lookout was another peaceful moment of the summit. With stunning views of the surrounding landscape, participants engaged in a guided meditation to slow down, clear their minds and cultivate mindfulness through breath and presence.

“This event is really about giving people the chance to slow down during a stressful time in the semester,” Butler said. “We want to equip students with tools they can use long after the summit is over—tools for managing stress and enhancing their well-being.”

Takeaways and Final Thoughts

As the summit came to a close with a community picnic, attendees were encouraged to carry the mindfulness practices they’d learned into their daily lives. Whether through meditation, journaling or simply taking a few moments each day to focus on the present, the summit offered a variety of self-care tools that attendees could integrate into their routines.

For Butler, the summit is a reminder that mindfulness is accessible to everyone. “Mindfulness is about being intentional,” he explained. “It’s about showing up in the present moment and giving it your full attention. It doesn’t have to look the same for everyone—whether it’s meditation, art, yoga or nature, there’s a practice for everyone. So, come back next year, bring a friend and keep practicing.”

As the Mindfulness Summit continues to grow, it serves as a powerful reminder of mindfulness' ability to create positive change, build community and support mental well-being on campus. Whether you're new to mindfulness or an experienced practitioner, the annual Mindfulness Summit at UT Austin promises to be a transformative experience for all who attend.

Learn more about mindful UT.